Iraq
defies weapons inspectors
By Anton La Guardia, Diplomatic Editor and David Blair in Baghdad
(Filed: 21/02/2003)
United Nations inspectors said yesterday that Iraq was breaking several of its promises to co-operate in their search for weapons of mass destruction.
The anouncement will greatly strengthening America and Britain as they seek international support for war.
The two countries are to table a new UN resolution next week declaring Iraq to be in "further material breach" of the last resolution. It is expected to demand that Saddam Hussein comply fully with the inspectors, or face war.
Apparently Saddam has been encouraged by anti-war rallies in the West and splits in the UN Security Council. He appears to be risking a highly critical verdict from the inspectors when they report again next week.
A pattern of defiance has emerged over the past fortnight, the inspectors say. No Iraqi scientist or official has agreed to be interviewed without a minder or tape recorder, despite Baghdad's promises that they would.
The issue is regarded as central to the inspectors' work, as scientists could reveal hidden stocks of chemical and biological weapons or prove that they had been destroyed.
The inspectors also accused Baghdad of failing to seek out more documents and banned weapons. It was a series of such promises from Iraq that led inspectors to issue a cautiously optimistic report to the Security Council last week.
The Full Story.... SADDAM LOVES The War Protesters because they give him more power